Merino, breed of fine-wool sheep originating in Spain; it was known as early as the 12th century and may have been a Moorish importation. It was particularly well adapted to semiarid climates and to nomadic pasturing. The breed has become prominent in many countries worldwide.

Merinos vary considerably in size, conformation, and extent of skin folds, but the prevailing trend in breeding is to develop sheep of medium size, with fair mutton conformation and a minimum of skin folds. The colour of their faces and legs is white. Although they have a considerable growth of wool on their faces, it is seldom extensive enough to cause wool blindness. The fine wool fibres of Merino fleeces are beautifully crimped. Through selective mating and crossing with other breeds, the Merino has served extensively as foundation stock in the creation of many useful breeds and strains of sheep. See alsolivestock farming: sheep.

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The original fine-wool breed was the Merino, developed in Spain from stock native to that country before the Christian era. Though medieval Spain sought to preserve a monopoly on the Merino, the sheep gradually spread to France, Italy, and the rest of Europe. Today the Merino is prominent in Australia, the United States, Russia, South Africa, Argentina, France, and Germany; the breed is...